Tetrachromats: Some People Can See 99 MILLION More Colors Than The Rest Of Us

As science continues to uncover more about the natural world, we often find that things are not always as they seem. Take color, for instance—most of us perceive the world through a spectrum of around 10 million colors, which is already astounding. But for some, this experience goes far beyond what most humans can imagine. Known as tetrachromats, these individuals possess a unique eye structure that allows them to see up to 99 million more colors than the average person, offering a glimpse into a reality that is invisible to the majority of us.

The discovery of tetrachromacy is not only a scientific curiosity but also a fascinating reminder of the diversity of human perception. While most of us are limited to the colors visible through three types of light-detecting cones in our eyes, tetrachromats have a fourth type, unlocking a kaleidoscope of hues that others simply cannot see. This rare ability highlights just how much more there is to understand about how we experience the world and challenges our assumptions about what reality truly looks like.

What Is a Tetrachromat?

A tetrachromat is someone who has a genetic variation that gives them four types of cones in their eyes, rather than the usual three that most humans—known as trichromats—have. Cones are light-sensitive cells that allow us to see different wavelengths of light, which we perceive as color. With this extra cone, tetrachromats can process far more color variations than the average person. While trichromats can distinguish around 10 million shades, tetrachromats can potentially see up to 99 million colors, many of which are invisible to the rest of us.

This genetic trait is rare and predominantly found in women, with approximately 12% of the female population being possible candidates for tetrachromacy. This is due to the fact that the genes responsible for this condition are carried on the X chromosome. While many may have the physical structure for tetrachromatic vision, not all develop the full ability to perceive the additional range of colors. It requires all four cones to be actively used for someone to access the extraordinary visual capacity of a true tetrachromat.

The Connection Between Tetrachromacy and Color Blindness

The connection between tetrachromacy and color blindness was first explored by Dutch scientist HL de Vries in 1948, and this relationship has continued to be a focal point of research. De Vries found that the mothers and daughters of color-blind men are likely candidates for tetrachromacy. This connection is significant because it suggests that while one family member may lack the ability to see certain colors, another may have enhanced color vision due to an additional cone.

Concetta Antico’s family provides a real-world example of this link. While Antico herself is a tetrachromat, her daughter is color blind, reinforcing the idea that the two conditions are related. This genetic relationship has sparked interest among researchers, who are eager to explore why some individuals develop tetrachromacy while others experience color blindness. As more tetrachromats are identified, scientists hope to uncover the genetic mechanisms that drive these unique visual abilities.

How Do We Perceive Color?

Color perception is a complex process involving light, the objects we observe, and how our eyes and brain process this information. Light travels in waves, and when these waves hit an object, some are absorbed while others are reflected. The reflected light enters our eyes, where millions of light-sensitive cells in the retina help us make sense of what we are seeing. Among these cells are the cones, which are responsible for processing color. Humans typically have three types of cones: one for short wavelengths (blues), one for medium wavelengths (greens), and one for long wavelengths (reds).

For tetrachromats, there is a fourth type of cone that processes an additional range of wavelengths, allowing them to see far more colors than the average person. This extra cone picks up subtleties in hues that trichromats simply cannot detect. While the rest of us might see a flower as a single shade of pink, a tetrachromat could see multiple variations of that color, distinguishing nuances that go unnoticed by the typical human eye. This ability allows tetrachromats to experience the world in a richer, more vibrant palette.

Lady cDa29: The British Tetrachromat

One of the most notable cases of tetrachromacy is that of Lady cDa29, a British doctor who displayed tetrachromatic behavior during a study led by Dr. Gabriele Jordan. In this research, Lady cDa29 was found to have the ability to see a broader range of colors than other participants, confirming her status as a tetrachromat. Dr. Jordan’s study explored the connection between tetrachromacy and color blindness, building on earlier research by Dutch scientist HL de Vries. It was suggested that women related to color-blind men, such as mothers or daughters, are more likely to be tetrachromats.

In Lady cDa29’s case, her four cones were fully functional, allowing her to process color in a way that most people cannot. Interestingly, many women who possess four cones do not use all of them, making her ability particularly rare. Researchers are now searching for more individuals like her to better understand how tetrachromacy works and why some people can access this additional spectrum of color while others cannot. The discovery of Lady cDa29’s ability has opened up new avenues for studying human vision and how genetic variations affect our perception of the world.

Understanding why some tetrachromats like Lady cDa29 can fully utilize their extra cone cells while others cannot has prompted researchers to explore broader theories about tetrachromacy. These theories suggest that environmental and cultural factors may play a role in how this ability develops—or remains latent.

Theories on Tetrachromacy

One leading theory about why tetrachromacy is so rare, even among those who have the physical potential for it, comes from Jay Neitz, a vision researcher at the University of Washington. He suggests that our world is predominantly designed for trichromatic viewers, meaning that tetrachromats do not get enough opportunities to practice seeing their unique range of colors. Since most of the colors we encounter daily are created with trichromatic vision in mind, tetrachromats might not realize that they are capable of perceiving more, simply because the stimuli are not present.

However, this doesn’t mean that tetrachromats are entirely deprived of their abilities. In natural environments, where color variations are more abundant and less influenced by human design, tetrachromats may have more chances to see the full extent of their visual range. From the subtle shifts in the hues of flowers to the complex patterns of natural light, tetrachromats might be able to detect details that trichromats miss entirely. This theory suggests that the right conditions could unlock the full potential of tetrachromatic vision.

This idea of unlocking tetrachromatic vision becomes even more intriguing when applied to creative fields, where individuals might naturally be exposed to a greater range of colors. One such example is Australian artist Concetta Antico, whose tetrachromatic ability has had a profound impact on her artwork.

Tetrachromatic Artist: Concetta Antico

A 25,000 check I received from an unknown woman in my late twenties became a magical and turning point of my entire life…

Magic happens to us all, never doubt there are so many more beautiful moments waiting to unfold ✨. #magic #gallery pic.twitter.com/fQ0HRlQ7nv

— CONCETTA ANTICO – The Color Queen (@ConcettaAntico) November 1, 2023

Concetta Antico is one of the most well-known tetrachromats, and she has used her rare ability to create stunning works of art. As an Australian artist, Antico has developed a unique painting style that leverages her ability to see far more colors than the average person. In her paintings, she captures the intricate details of light and color that most people would overlook, translating her tetrachromatic vision into vivid, detailed artworks that reflect a world of color beyond the typical human experience.

How Antico Sees the World Differently

Dr. Jay Neitz was the researcher who discovered Antico’s tetrachromacy, and her work as an artist has provided valuable insights into how tetrachromats experience color. Antico’s commitment to painting has given her more opportunities to engage with the colors she can see, supporting Neitz’s theory that exposure to a wide variety of hues can enhance a tetrachromat’s ability. Through her art, Antico demonstrates the practical applications of tetrachromacy and offers a glimpse into the unique world that tetrachromats inhabit.

Concetta’s work has garnered international attention, not only for its beauty but for the scientific curiosity it inspires. Her paintings are known for their vibrant palettes and subtle shifts in tone, showcasing a depth of color that most viewers cannot perceive. Antico has spoken about how she sees an extraordinary range of hues in everyday objects, such as the purples and blues in tree bark or the pinks and yellows in a leaf’s shadow—details invisible to trichromatic viewers. Her artistic output offers a rare window into how tetrachromats experience the world, and her exhibitions have sparked interest in the broader implications of tetrachromatic vision for art and design. This has led to new discussions about how this ability might influence fields like digital imaging, where color accuracy is critical.

Concetta Antico’s art is not just a demonstration of her unique visual capacity but also a glimpse into what the future of tetrachromacy research might hold. As researchers continue to explore the full extent of this rare ability, both scientific and artistic communities stand to gain new insights into human perception and creativity.

Seeing the World in a Whole New Light

💐 Flowers have always held a special place in my heart, continuously inspiring me in countless ways. Their intricate details, vivid colors, and delicate shapes have a way of captivating my senses and stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. pic.twitter.com/9GhTMPgk1T

— CONCETTA ANTICO – The Color Queen (@ConcettaAntico) June 29, 2023

As we continue to explore the intricacies of human perception, tetrachromacy stands out as one of the most fascinating discoveries. For tetrachromats, the world is painted in a palette far more diverse than what the average person experiences. This unique ability not only highlights the complexity of human vision but also challenges our understanding of what it means to perceive reality. The contributions of individuals like Concetta Antico demonstrate how this rare ability can extend beyond science and influence creative fields like art, while also hinting at potential applications in areas such as digital imaging and design, where color precision is essential.

Looking forward, tetrachromacy reminds us that there is still much to uncover about the human experience. Whether it’s identifying more tetrachromats or exploring how their vision can enhance various industries, this trait continues to inspire both scientific and artistic communities. As research progresses, tetrachromats may offer new insights into the mysteries of perception and the hidden spectrum of color, potentially reshaping the way we understand and interact with the world.